MADERA, Calif. – Choosing a brightly colored swimsuit for your child may seem like a small decision, but experts say it can play an important role when used in conjunction with other water safety measures.
While swimsuit color alone will not prevent a drowning, bright neon colors can make children easier to spot underwater, helping parents, lifeguards and rescuers recognize an emergency more quickly.
“Swimsuit color can be another layer of protection when it comes to water safety,” said Mary Jo Quintero, prehospital liaison nurse and coordinator of the Water Safety Program at Valley Children’s. “Choosing a bright neon colored swimsuit is a simple, low-cost decision that can complement proven drowning prevention strategies.”
High-contrast colors such as neon orange, neon yellow, neon pink and neon lime green stand out in swimming pools and many natural bodies of water, Quintero says.
In contrast, colors such as blue, teal, black, gray and white can appear to “disappear” underwater. Those colors often blend into the water or pool bottom, making it more difficult to see someone beneath the surface.
Most drowning incidents occur quietly, Quintero said. If a child slips under the water, the ability to spot them quickly can be critical.
“A swimsuit that’s easier to see may help shorten the time it takes for someone to recognize an emergency and begin a rescue,” Quintero said.
Research shows the most effective approach to preventing drowning is using multiple layers of protection. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends several key strategies, including:
- Close, constant and attentive supervision without distractions such as cellphones.
- Swimming and water competency skills.
- Four-sided pool fencing.
- U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets when boating or in appropriate open-water settings.
- Learning CPR.
“There’s no single solution that prevents drowning,” Quintero said. “The best protection comes from combining multiple proven safety measures, and swimsuit visibility can be one more tool families use to help keep children safe around water.”.
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